On 16 September 2022, UNU-IAS held the 20th SDGs Café on the theme "Inclusive Disaster Risk Management — Let's Think about Disaster Risk Management that Leaves No One Behind". The online session focused on disaster risks in Kanazawa city, Japan and disaster risk management that considers the needs of people from different backgrounds. The event was part of a seminar series on sustainable development organised by the UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK).
Yukari Matsui (Hokuriku Aidoru Club) discussed her experiences as a volunteer in a disaster-affected area after obtaining a disaster risk management certification. She underlined the importance of taking individual responsibility and not relying on others while preparing for a disaster.
Introducing disaster risks facing Kanazawa city, Tatsuto Aoki (Professor, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University) spoke about evacuation centre and community disaster management plans developed by residents, highlighting the importance of reflecting diverse voices.
Yuta Hara (Professor, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University) described the challenges faced by people in evacuation shelters, including the elderly, disabled persons, children, pregnant women, foreigners, and the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasised that it was essential to practise inclusive disaster management by recognising different needs and developing measures to ensure that no one is left behind.
During discussion, the panellists emphasised that it was essential to listen to diverse voices and reflect them in disaster risk reduction plans before a disaster occurred.
